The Little Angels: Nurturing Korea’s cultural legacy
In an era when K-pop dominates global charts and influences music scenes across the world, it’s heartening to hear the distinct rhythms of Korean music resonating on bustling streets in foreign lands. BTS, the first K-pop group to top the Billboard charts, is a prime example of this global phenomenon. Their fanbase, known as ARMY, spans continents, illustrating the widespread appeal of Korean culture.
For instance, my Japanese friend's elementary school daughters, who live in Bali, Indonesia, regularly reach out via social media, eagerly requesting BTS memorabilia, Korean actor and singer photos and even cosmetics endorsed by celebrities. This not only highlights the international fascination with Korean pop culture but also underscores the economic impact of the Korean wave, or hallyu.
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Koji Noda Japanese leader of the esteemed children’s troupe The Little Angels, founded in 1962 by the Unification Church, at a reception in Seoul for Belarus' National Day, hosted by Ambassador Andrew Chernetsky. Knowing of my passion for children's arts, Noda invited me to experience their "Harmony" performance at the Universal Arts Center.
The performance was a vibrant showcase of Korean tradition, featuring a diverse range of acts including drum dances, poetry readings, fan dances and dramatic retellings of Korean folk tales like the Chunhyang story. The rich array of performances — such as the Gayageum Byeongchang, mask dance, crane dance and jango dance — captivated the audience with humor and charm. The costumes, adorned with gold and red, beautifully highlighted Korean cultural elements and added a touch of opulence.
One standout was “The Day to Go to the Husband,” where the expressive acting of the young bride and groom was particularly endearing. The new Taryeong performance impressed with its creative use of bird sounds and lively dance steps. The fan dance's graceful gestures and the rhythmic unity reminiscent of a military parade further exemplified the troupe's exceptional skill.
As K-pop and the Korean wave capture global attention, it’s crucial to recognize the role traditional groups like The Little Angels play in sustaining and enriching Korea’s cultural legacy. Their performances not only celebrate Korean heritage but also introduce it to international audiences in an engaging and accessible way. At events honoring veterans and cultural gatherings worldwide, their enchanting displays of Korean traditions evoke nostalgia and earn enthusiastic applause, reaffirming the timeless appeal of Korean culture.
Looking forward, it is imperative to support and expand initiatives that invest in children’s cultural education and performance arts. By establishing additional troupes with enhanced resources and policies, we can significantly amplify Korea’s rich cultural heritage. Nurturing the next generation of performers will help preserve and elevate traditional arts, ensuring that Korea’s cultural legacy continues to flourish and inspire future audiences.
Shin Hye-suk (sinesu@naver.com), who also goes by Shindy, completed a doctorate in sociology and has devoted two decades of her life to academic pursuits at a university in Japan. She is also a florist and has served as president of the Rotary International Seoul Club Korea.